As a mother of five children, Gina was no stranger to keeping up with the antics of children. One day she realized she could not catch her youngest son. Two years after his birth she had developed a degenerative nerve disorder that impacted her mobility. She was thirty-five. Over time, Gina has experienced other health challenges that have further deteriorated her balance and mobility. Even with the mobility and health challenges, Gina was able to raise her children in the home.
Gina has lived in her ranch-style home that is part of a farm located in southeast South Dakota for 46 years. When the home was initially constructed, Gina and her husband did not plan for accessibility needs. As Gina’s disease progressed, she found it difficult to perform routine tasks, such as showering or leaving the home to run errands. She now uses a walker, wheelchair, or crutches to get around her home.
When Gina and her husband finally decided it was time to make home modifications, they encountered numerous challenges. First, they were uncertain about what to buy for the renovations. Second, the existing configuration of the home limited options for what home modifications could be implemented (for example, the stairs were too narrow for a stair glider). Third, the cost of home modifications limited the options available to them. Finally, living in a rural area made it difficult to find contractors familiar with necessary home modifications and knowledgeable in making those modifications.
Ultimately, Gina and her husband worked with local contractors in her region to modify their home to meet her needs. First, a metal ramp was constructed and installed in her garage so that she was able to come and go more independently. Second, they added an accessible shower to their main bathroom so that Gina could shower more easily. Third, they added grab bars in the bathroom.
She acknowledged that the renovations were not perfect, and she still needs help with some tasks. Instead of building a new house, Gina and her husband focused on the key changes. She is a lot happier after making these changes. Things around the home are more doable now. She is able to bathe with minimal assistance. She is also able to leave the house and go places in her community. Gina also emphasizes the importance of the help she receives from her daughter. For example, Gina said her daughter helps with showers, cooking, and chores.
"Even if you make good plans, your health and financial situations might dictate where you can actually live."
When asked what advice Gina would give someone else facing similar health issues or situations, she recommends evaluating your options objectively. If you want to stay in the home, can you afford to make the needed adjustments? She also said be realistic about the future. How much more serious will your condition get? Her final words of advice are to expect the unexpected. Even if you make good plans, your health and financial situations might dictate where you can actually live.
Through Gina‘s story, we hear the real-life experiences of families in rural South Dakota as they attempt to remain in the home. True to the independent spirit of South Dakotans, Gina and her family found solutions to meet her home modification needs. This is important to her, because, to her, home is where her heart and history are. Her home is full of her memories of raising her five creative children. Gina would like to remain in her home for as long as she can.
Voices for Home Modification
The Voices for Home Modification Project wants to make a difference and provide answers for South Dakotans who find themselves looking for new homes to accommodate an accessible lifestyle.